28/06/2025
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salad and Saffron Rice 🍗🍅🥑
🛒 Ingredients (for 2 servings)
🍗 For the Grilled Chicken Thighs:
2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 cloves minced garlic 🧄
1 tablespoon olive oil 🫒
Juice of 1/2 lemon 🍋
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 🌶️
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Optional: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme 🌿
🍚 For the Saffron Rice:
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
A pinch of saffron threads (about 10-15) 🌼
1 tablespoon hot water (for infusing the saffron)
1/4 teaspoon Salt
🥗 For the Avocado and Tomato Rice Salad:
1 ripe avocado, diced 🥑
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime 🍋
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 🫒
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley 🌿
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
👩🍳 Directions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).
Add the chicken thighs and cover well. Cover and let marinate for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor). 🕒
2. Preparing Saffron Rice
Soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of hot water for 5-10 minutes to extract the color and aroma. 🌼
Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs clear.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water (or broth) and salt to a boil.
Add the rice and saffron along with the soaking water.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. 🍚
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Grill the seasoned chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until well browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). 🔥
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or serve it whole.
4. Prepare the Avocado and Tomato Salad
In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Season with salt and pepper and toss gently.
5. Assemble the Plate
Divide the saffron rice between two plates or bowls.
Add the grilled chicken thighs alongside or on top of the rice.
Serve the avocado and tomato salad on the side.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a lemon wedge.
💡 Serving Suggestions:
Add a spoonful of garlic yogurt or tzatziki for extra creaminess.
Garnish with chili flakes if you prefer a little heat.
Serve it with grilled zucchini or asparagus for more veggies.
✅ Key Nutritional Information:
High protein from chicken.
Healthy fats from avocado.
Complex carbohydrates from brown or basmati rice.
Antioxidants from tomatoes and herbs.
